First Sunday after Christmas Day
Merry Christmas! The First Sunday after Christmas Day is also the 8th day of Christmas. The Gospel reading from Matthew tells the terrible tale of the Massacre of the Innocents
Call to Worship
Leader: Come, listen to the story.
People: The story of Mary's little baby.
Leader: The story of Joseph's new family.
People: The story of shepherd and magi.
Leader: The story of long ago in a remote land.
People: The story of today in our hearts and minds.
Leader: Can you hear the good story?
People: The story of Jesus' birth.
Leader: The long wait is finally over.
People: Joy to the world!
Leader: The arrival of the babe is here.
People: The Lord is come!
Leader: We are gathered in darkness and quiet.
People: But we have seen a great light!
Leader: Jesus, the Christ, is born!
Massacre of the Innocents
When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the magi. (Matthew 2:16)
Matthew's telling of the birth of Christ also tells the story of Empire. Herod seeks to kill the Christ child, but Love cannot be diminished so easily. The newborn becomes a refugee in Egypt to save his life. And Herod's anger and animosity turn to murder. All the babies of Bethlehem are killed.
It is a story that seems so far from Christmas. It does not fit into our nativity scenes. Yet, it demonstrates the truth that not all will see good news in the arrival of this tiny baby. Herod – the ruler – is threatened by a babe.
A Benediction (Or Miscellaneous Thoughts)
- If you know someone who might like to read this newsletter, forward this email to them.
2. You can read an online version of this newsletter here.